Cannon sets off from Clare in 48-hour cycling challenge

CLARE is the starting point for a monumental cycle challenge undertaken by Deputy Ciaran Cannon in solidarity with Irish cyclists.

Two years after being seriously injured in a road collision, the Galway East TD is aiming to complete a 900km journey, through every county, in under 48 hours, all while raising funds for the charity, Hand In Hand. The challenge is personal for Cannon and he hopes to show solidarity with the hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians who are injured on Irish roads every year.

“This weekend is the second anniversary of a very traumatic time for me,” Deputy Cannon said. “I was seriously injured in a road traffic collision in 2021 and underwent surgery to my leg. I’m marking this anniversary by setting myself this challenge, perhaps in an act of defiance to show that I’m still capable of cycling, but also in solidarity with the hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians who are seriously injured on our roads every year. This is a way to highlight what we have been through in the hope that we can work towards safer roads for all in the future.”

Ciaran will leave County Clare at 5pm this Friday (June 30) and hopes to arrive back in County Galway before 5pm on Sunday. The 900km ride will be the longest distance he has ever covered on a bike. He will be doing his best to complete the challenge in 48 hours and says that he will be inspired by the work of Hand In Hand, a charity that supports families challenged by childhood cancer.

“I’m also cycling to fundraise for Hand In Hand, a charity that’s very close to my heart,” he said. “While parents are concentrating on working with doctors and nurses to get their child back to full health, the great people at Hand In Hand look after all of the normal household stuff that also needs attention, things like dropping siblings to school, doing the weekly shopping, the laundry and sometimes having a home cooked meal on the table when a child returns from hospital. Hand in Hand’s accredited play therapist also provides play therapy to children with cancer and their siblings, helping them cope with a worrying and frightening time. They are the unsung heroes of so many families who have availed of their services and every cent I fundraise will go towards their powerful work.”

You can support Ciaran and Hand In Hand at www.idonate.ie/theisland